1pm local Shinkansens are great, so great the set unrealistic expectations for the other trains. Even the Super L'EX are just a few notches up from Greyhound. I decided to abort my multiday trip in Hokkaido, after reaching Hakodate. It was nearly as hot and humid as the south, and I was spending more time traveling than doing. Maybe if the AC was a cranked up a bit mote I'd be ok... But after a day on these trains I feel like I've spent the day in a swamp. That goes double for downstairs, right now the family jewels are slightly poached... Another few days and they'd be hard boiled. Also I really liked having a base of operations in Sendai. My pack is remarkably light for a two week trip, but lugging it around everywhere gets old quick. The first week in August is vacation week in Japan so lodging can be a bit more scarce too. I had a stomachache sinking moment in Hakodate when I found my desired hotel completely booked... It was already after 9pm and I started getting nervous. After an hour of head scratching and wandering around I lucked into a decent hotel far enough from the center to have a room available. The shower alone was worth the 9500